Is exploring South Korea’s beautiful landscapes and experiencing first-hand its profound culture and history on your bucket list? Now is the time to seize the moment, with this step-by-step guide on how to apply for your South Korean visa. With this informative guide, you’ll be well prepared for the South Korean visa application process. All that’s left to do is book your ticket!
Nigerian passport holders do require a tourist visa for South Korea, you’ll be happy to know that the process is a relatively painless one! You will need to apply at the VFS Visa Application Centre in Abuja or at the Republic of Korea Embassy in Lagos. The processing time for the South Korean visa usually takes a minimum of 10 working days, but it is recommended to apply at least 30 days before your departure date.
Image courtesy of @thanaivel via Instagram
Please note this process is applicable to Nigerian passport holders.
Types of Visa
- Short-Term Single-Entry Visa – This visa allows you to visit South Korea once for the duration of the visa. It is valid for 90 days from the date it has been issued.
- Long-Term Single-Entry Visa – The long-term single-entry visa is valid for more than 91 days. It also permits entry once into the country.
- Double-Entry Visa – This visa is intended for individuals, except medical tourism visa applicants, who wish to visit South Korea twice within six months. A double-entry visa holder can stay in the country for 30 days within the six-month validity period.
- Multiple-Entry Visa – This visa permits multiple entries within one year. Applicants must have specific required qualifications to obtain a multiple-entry visa.
Visa Processing Time
It takes a minimum of 10 working days to process your South Korean visa. Take note that some applications may take longer to process!
Where to Collect Your South Korean Visa?
If you applied in Abuja, you can track your application via the VFS Global website. Once your South Korean visa has been approved, you can collect it at the VFS Visa Application Centre in Abuja or wait for the courier delivery (optional service).
Submissions and collections are done at the Republic of Korea Embassy in Lagos for applicants residing in any of these states: Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.
Visa Costs
| Visa Category | Visa Fee in Naira |
| Short-Term Single-Entry Visa (for less than 90 days) | 16,000 |
| Long-Term Single-Entry Visa (for more than 91 days) | 24,000 |
| Double-Entry Visa | 28,000 |
| For all Multiple-Entry Visas | 36,000 |
VFS Global Service Charge
The fee for the submission of your application is ₦7,000.
Please note:
VFS Application Centre (Abuja)
- The applicable visa fee is according to the current exchange rate. It is subject to change without notice.
- Only Naira denominations of 5,000 and above will be accepted.
- The visa fee and service fee can only be paid at the bank teller counter in the VFS Application Centre. You must present a copy of your passport when making the payment.
- The visa fee and service fee are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Any visa application fee submitted and cancelled on the same application day is refundable but non-transferable.
The Republic of Korea Embassy (Lagos)
- An office at the Republic of Korea Embassy will direct you to pay the visa fee at a designated bank.
South Korea Visa Requirements
- A completed visa application form
- One coloured photograph (50.8 mm X 50.8 mm in size) must be attached on the application form
- An international passport valid for at least six months (with one photocopy of biographic data page)
- Documents proving financial ability – your personal bank account statement (for a period of three months and issued within 14 days at the time of the application submission) / credit card (Master card or Visa card) / car registration etc.
- Flight and hotel booking information
- One photocopy of your national ID, driver’s license, voter’s card or student ID (issued within the last five years)
Image courtesy of @anurak_toowongsa via Instagram
Where to Apply
South Korean visa applications must be done at the VFS Application Centre in Abuja. If you reside in one of the following states you can only submit your application at the Republic of Korea Embassy in Lagos:
Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River
Please note: You must apply in person to have your biometric data taken.
Abuja
| Address: | Republic of Korea Visa Application Centre
38 Lobito Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja |
| Contact: | 0815 018 8800 |
| Opening Hours: | Monday-Friday: 08:00-15:00 |
Lagos
| Address: | Embassy of the Republic of Korea
Plot 10 A&B Layi Ajayi Bembe Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos |
| Contact: | 0808 505 0501 or koremb_lagos@mofa.go.kr |
| Opening Hours: | Monday-Friday: 09:30-16:00 |
Image courtesy of @greenihee via Instagram
Where to Print Documents
Abuja
EasyPrint Business Centre
| Address: | 20c Blantyre Cres, Wuse, II |
| Contact: | 0806 503 5774 |
| Opening Hours: | Monday-Friday: 08:00-18:00 Saturday: 11:00-16:00 |
Lagos
Devine Hand Printing Press
| Address: | Shop No. 23B, Police Shopping Complex, Falomo, Bourdillon Rd, Ikoyi, Lagos |
| Contact: | 0703 060 9595 |
| Opening Hours: | Monday-Sunday: 08:00-18:00 |
With this informative guide on how to apply for a South Korean visa, you should be ready to visit the alluring cities in South Korea, including the amazing capital city, Seoul! Sign up to our newsletter for the latest flight deals to South Korea and many more incredible destinations.
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All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart is not affiliated to immigration authorities or their application centres and will not be liable for loss or inconvenience arising from the use of this volatile information.
Travelstart does not provide advice or assist with processing visas. The content of this article is listed as recommended by research and the South Korean embassy. Kindly check the embassy’s website BEFORE applying for your visa.
Featured image courtesy of @eastasiatours via Instagram
